This post was previously published here on ArtsHub.
Experts say Australia is in the midst of a loneliness epidemic and it represents a serious public health problem. In response, research and service delivery experts have joined forces and there have been calls in Australia to follow in the footsteps of the UK to create a Loneliness portfolio. Another path recommended in the UK that Australia may follow is social prescribing, where GPs and allied health professionals refer clients on to non-clinical services and community groups – for example an art class, singing, drumming or dance class.